LDS Christians Voting: choosing participation over polarization

[@wallywalrus2]

8:16 - Elder Oaks gave also an answer to the "do you have to agree with everything a candidate says" question in his April 2021 conference talk. "There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election. Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate." TL;DR - yes, you can feel good about voting for a candidate where you only agree with some of what they say / do and not all of it. I really like this stance.

[@Marine450x]

I would humbly clarify it not about what a candidate says, but what they do, will do, or will not do. Or put another way; the Policies they will or will not support or champion. One good way to evaluate that is; look at who supports a candidate. Literally they are buying influence for what they want to happen, or not happen.

[@michaelbennett7561]

Considering I dislike Trump on both personality and policy, my choice is easy.

[@bubboi7366]

My political values are the Book of Mormon values; Love, mercy, and kindness to all children of God no matter what.

[@luciafrau125]

So who are you voting for?

[@HighRobot]

Ima Latter Day Saint , I can’t vote tho due to felonies. But my ward is pretty mixed . And there is honestly no telling how anybody will vote. But that’s more reason why I bear witness to the Church , I never not once went to a sacrament meeting and anybody who goes up never said anything political. Now are their ppl who have deep political convictions , yes. But I’m glad it’s left at the door.

[@jakemills465]

I love this country and it pains me as a Latter-Day Saint Christian to see the divisions that Satan has spread across this country that God helped to establish. But I pray that no matter what happens in America's future that truth, justice, decency, and freedom will prevail over the lies spread by the Adversary. God bless America and thank you guys! 🇺🇸

[@JamesWrightLBC]

I've been joking for years that our major party choices boil down to Shiz vs. Coriantumr. Yes, you can vote conscience with third party, write-in, or voting with your feet, but as our system is currently set up your only meaningful, practical choices are Republican or Democrat. When you pick the ticket, you're also voting for the party that will be populating the entire executive branch, hundreds of likely judicial nominees, etc. If by some miracle a third party candidate is elected, it's unlikely they'll have that third party presence in congress to push through their agenda; they'll still align more with one party or the other, as we see now with each of the "independents" in Congress. We're can't escape the Red or Blue binary. Both are by necessity big tents; there are big differences between them, but there's more overlap in the center of both that has more common ground with each other than with the extremes in their own parties. It's one reason why you've seen so much crossover this year, in both directions, and people on each side who say, "I didn't leave my party; my party left me." (I'm one of the growing pile of independents who belong to neither, but still leans toward one more than the other.) I've been praying for more than a year now for the choice to be made clearer, for people of good will to coalesce around the right candidate, for a de-escalation of hostility (including my own) before and after the election. It took me a while to feel comfortable with the choices I'll be making, and I don't expect everyone to do the same. But I'm glad I made it a matter of prayer; it helped make the year a little less crazy, though as a student of history this has been an election for the ages.

[@academyofchampions1]

At least Shiz and Coriantumr knew that boys can’t be girls!

[@xXJayeDuBXx]

Look, both candidates suck, but I don't understand how anyone who calls themselves a christian can vote for a person like Trump.

[@mickski548]

@@xXJayeDuBXx well most Christians are voting trump because his stance on pro life. His stance on trans people and stance on economics. Kamala has the fakest face a politician could ever have

[@curtisf258]

Abortion...thats how

[@Marine450x]

But you can vote for someone who LITERALLY slept her way into and up the ladder of politics... and is not just a supporter of abortion, but a CHAMPION for it! At the very least, look strickly at policies if dealing with "personalities" are too emotional for you to overcome.

[@rebeccajensen6746]

@@Marine450x Exactly

[@kristaw2686]

Evangelical subscriber here: my pastor (a really Godly man I respect very much) made the point recently that a vote is not a valentine and a vote is not a love letter. A vote is simply you saying "i believe that out of the two most likely candidates to be president, this person is *more* likely to uphold values consistent with God's values. It is not an endorsement of everything they do and say.

[@oshawott4544]

1:30 I've seen people say the "other side" only ever existed as an opposition to what they believed. That the other tribe formed purely to be an opponent. It's their tribalism, their need to defame the "other side" because they are the "enemy". This is why I love the Gospel. It helps me to avoid these pitfalls, it helps me to avoid seeing the world through a lens of hatred, opposition, and spite, and instead see through a lens of love. We need to spread the gospel so we can stop this division, and show people how to look at others with Christ's love, not Satan's apprehension and hate.

[@zionmama150]

9:21 character matters, but it also matters that you get the right report of a person’s character. The media has lied about Donald Trump, and they have completely covered up the lack of character that Kamala Harris has.

[@briannicholls2628]

Please go watch Jacob Hanson at Thoughtful Faith. Think of Captin Moroni - did he martch into the city saying "your feelings matter". No, he fought for liberty. We need to fight for liberty "Character" is a horrible judge we are watching people ACTING on stage!! Look at their policy and their actions. Vote for liberty

[@ShishigamiZero]

Normally, I would agree with you, but he really missed the mark on that video. He did not treat both candidates equally in that video and propagated falsehoods. It was not a good video on his part.

[@academyofchampions1]

@@ShishigamiZero ok, name a few things that Kamala has accomplished.

[@seminolebranch]

You just dismissed President Oaks’ counsel. Just watched Jacob Hansens video promoting Donald Trump and he must have missed the talk as well. In the end there is a better practice to understand both sides and it’s not reduced to this side loves our country and that side hates it. Shiz and Coriantumr is probably more accurate in this race and the road that follows is more similar to the conditions before the 1st coming of Christ so I wouldn’t bank on our political system smoothing things over with neither candidate winning. If anything it’s part of hastening the lords second coming with the conditions that are building in an adverse way

[@wadewixom7029]

@@academyofchampions1here are a few things she hasn’t done: she hasn’t committed a felony, she hasn’t instigated an insurrection, she hasn’t bragged about sexual assault, and she hasn’t buddied up to dictators, and she hasn’t threatened to do away with the Constitution.

[@zionmama150]

Kamala sucks!

[@debragee9191]

Great conversation. Exactly what needs to be said. Thank you.

[@charlemagnetheFranks]

I talked to nice Democrats. I could be unlucky sometimes and actually talk to an angry Republican. And I’m not a Republican per se. But let’s make this clear rude people come from every walk of life and philosophy.

[@guenterk3305]

Thank you so much for this open minded discussion of such a difficult topic. As members of the Church we have some role models for great political leaders, such as King Benjamin, the Chief Judge Alma and Captain Moroni. God inspired them to establish a kind of democracy that was probably unparalleled in the world at that time. They fought for the freedom of the people. This included the right to choose their own religious beliefs or unbelief. The democracy in the US and any other free nation in the world is based on the same principles. The political leaders need to have a good character, leadership skills and good ideas to solve the problems the country is facing. But I don’t expect them to sign God’s commandments into law. It is the role of the Holy Ghost to convert people to follow Christ - it is not the role of the president of the country.

[@CastleArchon]

Personality is for show anyway. They are all actors. Vote for policy. Remember how as kids, we learned that voting in high school was nothing more than a popularity contest? Silly right? That's why policy is the key.

[@DannyAGray]

Not just policy. Bush has good policies, and he was weak. Like any job candidate, it's never just one factor. In this election, probably the biggest factor to consider is record. Trump had 4 years as president, and whether you liked his policies or not, he accomplished almost everything he laid out in his 2016 campaign. On the other hand, Kamala has been a politician for decades, and he constituents in California despised her as AG, and as VP, she hasn't accomplished much at all. So we're left with two very different impressions of who these people are, and if their records are an indication of future things, Kamala can have all the nice-sounding policies she wants but she doesn't prove she can follow through.

[@CastleArchon]

@@DannyAGray OK. I can see that.

[@academyofchampions1]

@@DannyAGray 100% correct

[@benk6995]

A lot of policy is based on the Party platform. The DNC removed God from their platform in 2016, and this has shown in the policies and regulations pushed by those in office, appointed to cabinet and judgeships, and spoken about by their candidates.

[@murraymon]

I think the biggest thing to remember when voting (either for a leader or policy) is to include Christ in every decision. Pray to know if you're choice is aligned with God's will. Read the scriptures, study how different choices have effected things throughout history. He won't take away your agency, but he will guide you in the right direction. Another thing is to pray for your eyes, ears, and mind to be open, that you might be better informed when making your decisions. Acknowledge the flaws and successes of both sides. You have to be willing to look at facts as they are and not try to justify or de-rationalize them to fit you're current view. The truth is no one is going to be right about everything, there are going to be good and bad results form every outcome because people are imperfect. If you let God guide you to make INFORMED decisions, things will be ok. Maybe not ideal, but they will work out in the end.

[@kelleyturner6584]

I did just that back in 2016, 2020 and 2024 and my answer was not Trump!

[@TheSwedishHistorian]

I try to remember that I am LDS first and conservative second

[@kelleyturner6584]

I'm LDS first and a liberal second.

[@RyanMercer]

Hmmmm

[@kimberleeinnes2990]

Fantastic episode.!!! I have been participating in presidential elections since 1991 and this is the first election that I have really not wanted to cast my vote. Such a hard time to vote.

[@sketchygetchey8299]

I recently watched Gordon B Hinkley’s interview on Larry King, and him talking about President Clinton (at the time when he was caught) really stood out.

[@Redeemed1983]

I don't have to agree with everything a candidate says to vote for them; I DO need to agree with what I feel the Holy Spirit is prompting me to do with my vote to cast it. I pray, ask His wisdom for who His pick is, and I know that He can see behind the lies and deception that are part of campaigning. God always has a pick, and asking Him for His pick is waaaay more important than personality. And I've found that politicians may SAY they are for this or that, then turn and do the opposite when actually in office, so knowing God's pick through intercession before and revelation from the Holy Spirit is more important. And then I cast my vote and keep what I did close to my breast because in today's cancel culture you get dissed for what you did by those who voted otherwise, and how you voted isn't worth losing good friends over. My oldest nephew is a social justice warrior who called me "stupid" for my faith repeatedly; I have a 180 I.Q., which is FAR FROM stupid. I finally told him that if he continued to devalue me as a person we couldn't have any relationship AT ALL, and asked him how he'd feel if I told him to go ahead and hang out with "his little terrorist friends" when he goes to Antifa or BLM marches. He got really upset, didn't talk to me for six months, and then realized that I'm the only one he talks to who knows the truths of my side of the family's family line, and it's to his advantage to get along with me. BOUNDARIES ARE VITAL. We aren't here to be doormats, nor to oppress, and if there is no mutual respect there's not enough trust to be able to delve into highly sensitive subjects such as politics, religion, and the other things that truly matter.

[@ryancomer9066]

You don't have to agree with a politician on all things, but there are definitely red lines that should not be crossed. I feel like in our present environment, neither party is willing to champion someone who has lines that they won't cross. It's all about picking whoever they think best gives them a chance to win and then justifying whatever that candidate says or believes. I refuse to be a part of that. I reject both candidates. Even if my particular choice has no chance of winning, at least I can say I made a choice that I can be proud of, and I feel that it would be good for society if more people did that. Maybe then we'd get candidates that were actually worth voting for.

[@gingersnaps215]

We need a ranked voting system like Alaska has, and Australia. Then yeah, we would be free from the two-party tyranny and being force to choose what seems to be the “lesser evil.”

[@deidrenelson1385]

Positive discussion that steers clear of contention- like the most recent talk by Elder Oaks! I Encourage everyone to study his talk about the Constitution and other talks about the “culture of Christ” combined with the Book of Mormon -these help me find my way through.

[@dallinwatson6483]

There are virtues consistent with the Gospel on both sides. Unfortunately, there are also evils on both side. I feel like I have two cups in front of me and they are both nutritious and also poisoned but I'm told to drink rather than abstain. Scary

[@daxtenbowen6547]

Good reminder to stay grounded to principles yet empathetic to others during the elephant(/donkey) in the room of election time-thanks Saints Unscripted!

[@jacobwardell6432]

For me personally, I really agree with what Jacob Hansen has said on his KZbin channel called "Thoughtful Faith". He put out a really excellent and well thought-out video recently comparing Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. - That said, I appreciate you guys sharing your opinions, and supporting the leadership of the church. I agree that voting in political elections often feels like picking the lesser of two evils for people.

[@akmomof4]

I agree that Jacob Hansen did a great job of analysis of the two candidates.

[@DesertPrimrose]

His video and all the clips he chose to use are 100% biased

[@Marine450x]

But it's not really just Trump vs Harris, it's really the Trump team (JD, JFKjr, Vivik, Tulsi, Elon, Carlson etc.) vs the Deep State & the globalists. Harris is a puppet shell, even more so than Biden. At least he had his wife who at least does not hate America.

[@douganderson1887]

I completely agree that character matters more than policy. I'd like to believe we opted for our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the premoortal realm (over what may have been pitched as a less riskier option) because we knew of their character.

[@academyofchampions1]

With full respect, I couldn’t disagree more. If a person with the most wonderful, charitable, well-intentioned character signs a policy that ultimately and even unintentionally results in human suffering, then what does the person’s character matter to the family that is destroyed because of the signature of the wonderful, charitable person with a good character? Alternatively, there could be someone that lies and is belligerent, rude, and selfish, but enacts a policy that serves the interests of families and improves lives over the long term, then what does his or her character matter? However, to your point about character - if a person implements a bad policy, even with the best of intentions, then this in and of itself is a manifestation of their dangerously flawed character - the character flaw of not being principle centered to see down the road to what a bad policy can unintentionally do.

[@kelleyturner6584]

Completely agree!💙

[@academyofchampions1]

@@kelleyturner6584 if a politician with wonderful character implements a policy that unintentionally causes suffering… such as the war on drugs, the war in Afghanistan, anything that causes higher costs and inflation… then… what does the person’s character matter? Sincerely, I am eager for an answer.

[@gingersnaps215]

@academyofchampions1 and how does rhetoric that calls for the murder of “undesirable illegals” not lead to human suffering? Not that it’s law, but enough people seem to like that line of reasoning that it could become an acceptable policy, official or not, under their leadership! And anyone who sincerely believes dictators and other authoritarians around the world are worth emulating has no business being in office in the US. God uses councils. How many times in scripture were the people warned against authoritarian rule (in the form of kings, but the current modern equivalent in this country would be a would-be autocrat)? Enough conspiring individuals currently in elected office would have no problem bending laws and policies to keep their preferred person in power, changing laws or exploiting them and finding loopholes to put their version of “best policy” in place. Enough people in elected and appointed positions of legal authority already do.

[@wadewixom7029]

Finally a voice of reason! Thank you for restoring my belief in the members of the church!

[@Joanie620]

Thank you for being neutral in the decisions. So but like you said vote for what better alliance with good values and what the people and the nation needs at this time and in our future. God Bless America. In God We Trust ! Love thigh self and thigh neighbor.

[@jonbrewer7]

I feel right now my influence is strongest if I don’t vote or vote write in nationally. To not vote is a legitimate choice and if heard correctly can be powerful. I can be involved in government and community in other ways. I feel very judged by this choice, more than a LDS democrat in Utah. We are encouraged by church leaders and policy to exercise our rights to vote, but in extreme need a large group threatening to withhold a vote from either major likely winner party/candidate could be a way to influence future systemic change for good.

[@jonathanduran8669]

15:30 This may be my bias speaking here, but am I the only one who thinks Trump doesn't fit any of these criteria recommended by the first presidency?

[@academyofchampions1]

Trump started Zero new wars, Biden / Harris have made Zero attempts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. Ummm…. I imagine the First Presidency would be in favor of no new wars and be opposed to the lack of negotiations for peace between Russia and Ukraine.

[@mmcbride1]

You are spot on and definitely not alone. The First Presidency has been all but begging the, overwhelmingly conservative, members of Utah and Idaho to be willing to vote for Democrats.

[@bubboi7366]

You're not the only one.

[@academyofchampions1]

@@mmcbride1🤮

[@ShiningSakura]

I actually felt the complete opposite as you have. Edit : to clarify, I think its more important to ignore the D, R, or any other political identifier by a persons name and to research them all and pick which one you feel will do the job the best and represent your values best, even if its only 1 or 2 if they are the most important to you. the goal of the first presidency in saying those things is to do just that, stop being tribalistic and pick candidates individually as unbiased as possible. I did just that this year and was happily surprised with the offerings of independents and others this year. I may have not voted for them all, but I appreciate the variety and gave me far more choices besides the big 2. Made them all work harder for myvote which is a win for everyone. I pick based off of past merits vs the sweet nothing promises of the past so I can see their track record and see what they are promising now and HOW they will do it and WHY they are doing it. I ignore candidates that only go on things like "I won't be this or that person" since it doesn't tell me what they WILL be doing as it could be anything. I would rather not vote pandora's box into a position of power.... that rarely goes well. I try to take my time and research things from all angles and familiarize myself with their platforms and watch any debates to see how they respond and if they avoid answering questions to cover up me and others from knowing what they are wanting to do. I want a leader who can stand up for me, my community, state, and country and not one that hides shrinks, doubles down, or bends to adversarial groups, countries, or issues. Then I compare their offerings against one another and pick based off of that.

[@ThoseOneGuysInc]

I voted for Trump. I don’t even like him that much, but it will be better than what Harris has planned.

[@beefmaster4]

What is your comparison for the two? What are the things you are weighing? My comparison is very much the other direction.

[@wnichols6671]

​@@beefmaster4Quite frankly I don't understand how you can vote for Kamala as a member; I'm not saying that all members who do aren't members or aren't faithful, I just can't understand any way you can cut it that it wouldn't be a mistake. Both's personal lives are not up to our standards, but Trump is responsible for Roe v. Wade being overturned, had the best economy of my lifetime(I'm a fairly young adult), and doesn't support radical gender/racial ideology. Kamala however supports no restrictions on abortion, under her and Biden has made the economy much worse, and supports radical gender/racial policies.

[@gingersnaps215]

The man has called for the murder of “undesirable illegals.” How does that align with gospel principles? The economy under Biden was the result of stuff started under Trump; and Trump enjoyed the fruits of Obama labors. It takes more than the time of the transfer of power and change of policies to effect noticeable economic change. Plus, Biden’s administration began along with supply chain issues directly related to a worldwide pandemic, exacerbated by wars in various places, with direct effects on the natural gas and oil supply for Europe and other parts of the world, which had domino effects across the globe. You can not place sole blame for the state of the economy on Biden. Ask anyone with any understanding of economics. I also see a conservative congress more focused on preventing policies and laws from going into effect that might help Biden’s presidency “look good.” Like during the shortage of infant formula. Bills were proposed to alleviate that particular burden. Guess which side blocked it?

[@gingersnaps215]

Sorry, @wnichols6671

[@michaelmarsh8802]

@@wnichols6671Trump had very little to do with Roe v wade. Mitch McConnell arranged with what I consider bad politics, for the very conservative Supreme Court justices to be appointed. It’s the Supreme Court not president that overturned Roe v wade. Trump took a good economy from Oboma and trashed it through incompetence in handling the pandemic. We spent two years of his presidency living at home hoarding toilet paper. I also remember a lot of rioting, earthquakes, and death hornets

[@austin11germer]

I see a lot of blablabla talk to try and justify voting for someone who is both outwardly and internally horrible. Someone who has been found guilty of the worst crimes our society has. You want to vote for him? That is your right. But there is a good reason it is so hard to justify voting for him. You talk about the spirit leaving when contention arrives.... Hmmm. It's not complicated. Do the right thing, go vote.

[@rfowkes1185]

Don't vote Lamanite. The Book of Mormon speaks of ambitious men and political leaders who "stirred up unto anger" their people for the purpose of gaining power and influence, often resulting in war and conflict. (Alma 48:3;51:9;63:14.) Lamanite kings are not the only ones who employ such tactics. Would that we could all recognize that for what it is: knee-jerk politics, or at its worst, radicalization! "It is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed." Mormon 4:5

[@academyofchampions1]

Can boys become girls? What does the gospel teach us?

[@leftistLizard92]

Proud follow of Christ here, proudly voting for Jill Stein!

[@K2xrs154]

6:58 Are you referring to the temple or is that sacred conspiracy?

[@TheRealHawkeye]

I'm proud to have voted Trump for this election.

[@mickski548]

Same

[@mmcbride1]

And I'm proud to have voted for Harris.

[@kelleyturner6584]

​@@mmcbride1 Same!!!💙💙💙

[@Xycomm]

@@mmcbride1 you’re proud to vote for 4 more years of misery? Strange.

[@michaelmurphy2112]

@@Xycomm Go outside, touch grass, then rewatch this video.

[@kelleyturner6584]

Trump has not character!!!!

[@newhere2419]

i remember this saying i heard many times in the church "the constitution will hang by a thread" one of the candidates said he would terminate the constitution and he tried to stay in office after he lost, and he turned a whole party against every level of government. easy choice for me, and i'm not surprised by anything he's done or said. it was obvious who he was from the beginning.

[@DannyAGray]

The reason for being roasted in the comments is that you're fence-sitting. We get out already, this channel is funded by the church, so you have to tip-toe around and make blanket statements being cordial and listening to both sides. Most voters already know this. No one's gonna be mad if you actually say what you want to say instead of catering to the middle ground, where really no one is 7 days to the election.

[@miguelpanty]

Exactly. The church was more based back in the 70s and 80s. They never tip toed back then. It wasnt until the last 15 years where theyve decide to be fence sitters.

[@DannyAGray]

@miguelpanty you misunderstand. The church is certainly NOT fence-sitting (though, I wouldn't mind more fiery sermons); these hosts are fence-sitting. Might as well have not made a video at all.

[@benk6995]

@@miguelpantyIt seems to me the Church used to be more set on a Conservative standard in the past, and wasn’t afraid of it either. My dad thought a lot of Pres Benson, and my mom loved the Family Proclamation. Some find this amazing as we were a Lutheran/Baptist household but we had a lot of LDS neighbors. They would bring over the Ensign magazine for my parents to read as they appreciated the Church’s focus on Christ and the family.

[@benk6995]

@@DannyAGrayI don’t think they are either, but wish the 1st Presidency would just come straight out and denounce the evils of Marxism as wells as the anti-freedom/anti-religious agenda of the Left. Unfortunately, Pres Oaks last talk felt like he was trying to be too polite and inoffensive.

[@gingersnaps215]

The church is much more global now than it was in the 70s. The political makeup of the entire membership is MUCH more diverse than it was then.

[@zionmama150]

14:10 subjective Bs that BYU has taught these poor college kids. So duped 😢

[@atravismoore]

I find subtle deception more antithetical to my spiritual beliefs than uncouth rhetoric.

[@wadewixom7029]

We need to save the Constitution and hope for better candidates in the future. Regardless of how you feel about abortion, how do you feel about democracy? Without it, your thoughts won’t matter. One candidate has made it clear he is a threat to democracy.

[@gingersnaps215]

This ☝️

[@charlemagnetheFranks]

Vote for joy yay. I’m for Harris giggle snort cackle cackle.😊

[@wadewixom7029]

Jacob Hansen’s argument is the same one heard in Germany 85 years ago.

[@jaredcurtis3099]

Stoped watching halfway through because both sound like that uncle. FYI, I am that uncle.

[@Tofflemire5]

I couldn't care less about the person. I'm voting for the policies that will support my family, my religion and my life. This time that person is Trump.

[@xXJayeDuBXx]

That is ridiculous. That guy doesn't care about your religion, life, or family, he's an egotistical hate filled person who only cares about himself. Makes me ashamed to be a christian if people are going to vote for him because he's a republican.

[@rfowkes1185]

Don't vote for the other side! C.S. Lewis once observed: "He [the devil] always sends errors into the world in pairs-pairs of opposites. And he always encourages us to spend a lot of time thinking which is the worse. You see why, of course? He relies on your extra dislike of the one error to draw you gradually into the opposite error." (Mere Christianity) Popular pundits and politicians also understand this tactic of pitting one error against another, and they may use it to their own profit and promotion.

[@TruVarVa]

18:18 same bro

[@brianfernandez7456]

Boring. I could have guessed everything that would be said before the video started. I feel like so often as members of the Church we are so scared to offend people that we don't take a stand. Scriptures say that God would rather we be hot or cold rather than warm. Anyone who hasn't decided by now who they are voting for is simply not paying attention. It's fine to not pay attention, but then you shouldn't be making a video on the subject.

[@Marine450x]

@6:28 "gospel aligning standards & principals can be found on both sides of the political aisle" Three observations : 1- have you read the official platform for each party? There is very very little in some party's platform. 2- what a party, and especially any given candidate, says is often VERY different in what they do. I'd suggest what they do far overrides what they say. (it's widely done that left leaning candidates campaign much to the center or even right, but govern to their true left. 3- Local, including state offices tend to not be as extreme with regards to the previous # 1 and 2 above in concervative states or communities. Deep Blue states or communities are sometimes more left that even federal offices. Or put in context if "gospel standards & principles," further from what they say. Bottom line, if you closely examine the end of Helaman & the beginning of 3 Nephi you will find the Gadianton Robbers DEEPLY imbedded in American politics, and the legacy mainstream media these days.

[@randyh801]

My frustration is that there seems to be an assumption that when we talk about character, people go to "well Trump's character is much worse than Kamala's." However, he just wears his character on his sleeve and the media amplifies his faults while diminishing the faults of Kamala (who also tries to hide her faults).

[@rebeccajensen6746]

I have told my kids I am voting on 3 things--1) Who is the most pro life and made a bigger difference in the pro-life movement more than anyone in my lifetime? 2) Who was the first president in decades to not allow a new war to start, and ended several, and actually achieved peace in the middle east for the first time in forever 3) Who achieved an awesome economy, and who ruined one? As far as character goes--it is absolutely impossible to know their true character without a ton of research. I'm talking 1000s of hours, which I'm embarrassed to say I have done. If you really want to know the difference between parties in this country--watch both of their conventions. This is not a time in our country where there is any beige. Covenant keeping people are not beige. If for no other reason, choose Trump for his stance on leaving abortion to the states. The supreme court that we have because of two justices that he put on, has made it harder to get an abortion, which is exactly what the Lord wants. Every state still has the exceptions. Don't believe the commercials, don't believe the main stream media. There is no neutral media. If you want to watch media, watch both sides. There isn't any unbiased media left. If you want to watch or listen to a great Christian about politics, look up Charlie Kirk. He is amazing at putting politics in simple terms and he doesn't call anyone names. The main stream media has referred to me as a Nazi many times, and that is untrue. Today my president, of the country I love, called all the people voting for Trump "trash". I have no idea why that is ok.

[@mikespage0123]

LDS “Mormons” are not Christian unfortunately. Totally different gospel, false Mormon Jesus/god/gospel. But bravo for conservative political values as a socio-political group

[@thomasray]

I am a Christian! I'm not a "Mormon" I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And it is my faith in Jesus Christ that gets me through each day, and motivates me in my family and personal life-- and has given me the courage to start my own family!

[@mmcbride1]

We certainly aren't mainstream Christian. Thank the good Lord. I would go bonkers if I had to believe in the trinity, only had the books of the Bible as scripture, only believed in a heaven and hell and embraced christian nationalism.

[@TheFlipside06]

Not "Trinitarians" or "Creedist" but most definitely Christian. And you are right the Creedist gospel is different than the restored gospel but that restored gospel has a more fullness of truth that fits in line with the totality of revelation God has given to his children from the time of Adam to today and what goodness it is that there is more to come! Sola Scriptura does not fit God's pattern of calling prophets throughout time in the Old Testament that prophesied of Christ's First coming, why wouldn't God call prophets for Christ Second coming? Also appreciate the conservative political values expressed in the video!

[@matthewhunter6421]

lol. thanks for your brain dead contribution. Prove we are not Christian, using a commonly agreed upon definition. You don't even know what a Christian is, let alone whether we are Christian.

[@jakeconnell6417]

Hey brother! I have heard the comment before that we believe a “different gospel” but no one has explained to me the differences. Would you mind elaborating. When I visit other Christian churches in my area they are usually teaching similar doctrine to what is taught in The Church of Jesus Christ (i.e The importance of Faith, Salvation through Christ, Being baptized unto repentance, sacrament/communion, obeying God’s word, caring for the poor and loving our neighbor). Do we elaborate on that doctrine, ofcourse. But so do the other churches I have visited. The gospel however, the good news, is the same.

[@lizziebreath9]

I’ve stopped talking to relatives about this. My MIL doesn’t like one candidate because she dislikes his personality, she knows I have like 4 issues I focus on and Kamala fits none of them. I’d have to go against everything I ever argued, lobbied, protested, raised money, contributed time for politically. All of it… The overturning of Roe was one of the greatest opportunities to correct the wrongs of the previous generations. It removed the monolith that every pro-lifer stands against. Trump got it for us, and she’s campaigning everyday to return it and swearing she’ll do more to remove limits. As a mother I can’t overlook the abortion stuff, it’s just anathema and I’d never be able to live with myself ethically.

[@gingersnaps215]

McConnell got it through wrangling judicial nominations and preventing the nominations of others during Obama’s term. Trump did not “get it,” and he certainly is not opposed to it.

[@gingersnaps215]

As a mother with a history of high risk pregnancies, I can’t support blanket bans or incredibly restrictive or vigilante-style laws that would cause doctors to question how sick I, or another woman, is *required* to be before they are legally allowed to intervene to save my life, let alone my health. Fortunately for me, I don’t live in a state with insane laws, and doubly fortunate, i have yet to be faced with such a choice (though I came very close but had a stillbirth instead, lucky me) and would opt for early delivery where possible. But those women who’ve had (or will have) premature rupture of membranes (like 15ish weeks gestation early) in such states? How many will have to die (like the woman in Ireland twelve years ago) before the laws are made more clear and have definite allowances to save not just the mother’s life, but her health? Carmen Broesder in ID has lost her health due to a miscarriage at six weeks where multiple ERs sent her home rather than perform a d&c, even though there was zero cardiac activity from the embryo. She ended up bleeding for 19days and lost so much blood she now has a heart condition and has to be mindful of her activity level or risk a heart attack. That shouldn’t have happened. Women shouldn’t have to risk sepsis, loss of fertility or other health, or death, when faced with things like premature rupture of membranes before gestational viability. Women should not have to be nearly at the point of fallopian rupture to have an ectopic pregnancy treated. Nor should anyone experiencing a miscarriage (medically termed a “spontaneous abortion”) be fearful of seeking healthcare being accused of bringing it on intentionally and risk facing criminal charges due to vigilante laws or other laws (and yes, women have been charged and some are serving jail time for crimes directly attributed to their pregnancy losses; everything from neglect, child abuse, manslaughter, murder, and mishandling of a corpse, which happened to a woman in OH who miscarried her 22 week fetus into a toilet). As a mother, and as a mother of daughters, I cannot vote for anything that would risk my children or grandchildren being left motherless because a doctor wasn’t sure my health was yet critical enough, or someone decided (for example) the fact that I ate uncooked deli meat caused me to lose my pregnancy, and therefore I should be charged with child endangerment or worse. These are not simple, black and white issues.

[@lizziebreath9]

@@gingersnaps215 TikToks are not reliable sources. EMTALA is federal law. No state would be allowed to violate federal law without the DOJ getting involved. Heck, with heartbeat laws they’d be violating state law on top of that. Ma’am you’re probably being lied to, because these complications to she up this frequently across only restricted states would mean they’d more than tripled in just those states compared to typical rates. The case of Carmen Broesder you mentioned out of Idaho was offered the medication to expel the tissue after watchful waiting was confirmed to be not the right option. D&C introduces other risks so is typically not used. Looking at records released it looks surprisingly well managed compared to other cases I’ve seen. You’re assuming I’ve never had a high risk pregnancy. I will never under any circumstances support elective abortion. I’m not just a mother, I’ve also helped catch babies and been involved with birth at multiple levels for almost 15 years. It’s why I know these TikTok accounts are frequently physically impossible.

[@gingersnaps215]

I’m not assuming you’ve never had a high risk pregnancy (but every single one of my pregnancies has been risky, though I wasn’t technically “high risk” for my first because it was my first and I had no preexisting risk factors), but you seem to be assuming I get my information from TikTok. I’m not on TikTok, and never have been. I get my news from reputable journalistic sources, *not* social media, and I make a point of examining multiple sides of all issues in politics. I even make a point of researching candidates from all parties (though I am registered with a party so I can participate in primary elections in my state), and I don’t just vote with the party. But thanks for assuming what I was (not) assuming about you, or how I get my news!

[@gingersnaps215]

Also the fact that Carmen Broesder’s case looks “surprisingly well managed compared to others” definitely *does not* help your argument, which seems to be more in favor of blanket bans and incredibly restrictive laws without any options involving clearly written exceptions that allow physicians to offer options to save their patients *health* and not have to wait for their *life* to become at risk. (I mean she wasn’t even offered blood transfusions, and now has a permanent arrhythmia because she lost so much blood. I know a woman who started hemorrhaging with her first period and was given blood in the ER. They didn’t even do that for Carmen. And she wasn’t even seeking an elective abortion and had been pleased she was a pregnant!) The legal definition of “abortion” in most states is the termination of a pregnancy - for any reason - before gestational viability. And unless laws are clearly written without vague language that cause doctors to wonder “how sick is sick enough,” and there are *no* vigilante laws (like Texas), there will always be a risk to the life and health of the mother due to pregnancy complications where the best course of treatment is termination of the pregnancy (which doesn’t have to include stopping the baby’s heart, but could still be dubbed “abortion” depending on the time frame). Unfortunately, most states with restrictive laws have strict bans on terminations after the embryonic stage. Which, ironically, means that most of the legally allowed abortions will end up being elective anyway, and the women who’s health becomes at risk due to complications in the fetal stage just have to hope they don’t get too sick before they can be treated if they’re in those states. So I suppose you may continue to support strict laws, and I can continue to support laws that allow doctors to not have to wait until their patient’s life is at risk before offering treatment (which the patient can always refuse). And hopefully we can understand why the other feels the way they do. Also my sister is a mother, and a doula and was planning on becoming a midwife (life got in the way of that), but she does not support blanket bans or incredibly restrictive laws. And I hope to become a NICU nurse, so please, don’t think I don’t value life beyond my own family, or that I think abortions should be available on demand. Also just because a presidential candidate might feel that way, there’s still the legislative and judicial branches to contend with. We don’t have an autocracy, and is like to keep it that way. Which is one of my biggest choice factors in voting this election.